County Moves Forward with Jedburg Jail

County Council unanimously approved second reading for an $18 million general obligation bond for the purchase of land, design and construction for a new 79,500 square-foot jail in the Jedburg area. 

The jail located on Hodge Road is to replace the St. George jail, which has safety concerns, space constraints and takes Summerville-area law enforcement three hours off the street to book arrestees, according to council members. Hodge Road runs perpendicular to Deming Way, where the Sheriff's Office is located.

The unanimous vote was held Monday night during regular meeting of council in St. George. A third reading is needed before funds are secured. 

Click here to see the other items voted on during Monday's meeting.

The price includes the $1,125,000 needed to purchase 20 acres of land for the 352-bed facility. 

The detention center is one of several projects the county has slated through 2015. Last week, council met to . 

The new bond, if passed, will push the county toward its debt limit. And, according to Administrator Jason Ward's presentation last week, the new jail cannot be built without an increase to taxes.

Last week, Councilman Bill Hearn gave the following analogy:

"If you continue putting off going to the dentist, eventually you're going to need a root canal. And, unfortunately, we're almost at root canal stage," he said.

Some constituents have expressed concern over the hefty price tag for something that many council members agreed that no one wants to put their name on.

Hearn said the vetting has been thorough, including visits to seven jails in different states. 

"We've done our due diligence on this, and for those that question that come to more meetings," Councilman David Chinnis said.

The new jail was originally priced at $32 million. The St. George detention center will likely be converted for a new use, like a Department of Juvenile Justice facility.